BRIGITTE THIEME-BURDETTE
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Group Classes
College & MFA Coaching
Private Lessons
Workshops & Masterclasses
Online:
From India to NYC, LA to Mississippi, students Zoom in from anywhere!
In-Person:
NYC and NoVA
"I found a level of comfort and confidence I never thought I could feel in front of the camera."
"She pushes me when I need to be pushed, but in a kind and supportive way."
"One of the improvements I saw in my own work ... is truly embracing what I had to say."
College & MFA Audition Coaching
After observing auditions for the BFA programs at my alma mater, Pace School of Performing Arts, and working the Columbia University MFA Acting program auditions for two years, I've learned from the decision makers (who happen to be my own audition coaches and teachers) what culminates in a successful college/grad school audition - and what does not.
Sometimes, it's completely out of your control - like when they've already called back five three-headed monsters from the previous week's auditions and although you're a great three-headed monster, they already have five to choose from. Sometimes, it's completely within your control - like when you came in with a bad attitude because your iced caramel mocha chai tea latte was too cold.
During these auditions and my own grad school auditions over the course of 4 years at Columbia (accepted), USC (accepted), NYU Grad Acting (waitlist), USD/Old Globe (waitlist), Yale Drama (callbacks), Juilliard (callbacks), I've learned that there are really only three major secrets to success: pick the right pieces, be your best self and have fun! Easier said than done right?
During our one-hour coaching sessions, we will:
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Find the right contemporary and classical audition pieces for you, that you love working on
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Make those pieces work for the unique person that you are (for example, we might work on making sure the story is being told, relating the piece to you and pursuing an action)
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Replace habits that don't serve you with ones that do
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Rehearse entering the room and interviewing
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Help you feel comfortable on-camera to nail those self-tape pre-screens
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Learn how to accept nerves, trouble-shoot in the moment and stay connected
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Practice taking all sorts of direction, no matter how far it may be from your original choices
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Instill a mindset of curiosity and get you thinking like an actor who makes interesting choices
For those who sign up for multiple sessions, you can also expect:
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Support on your audition days through text, FaceTime, etc.
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Help with resumes, clothing, travel advice and any other questions you have as you complete your applications and get ready to audition
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Guidance on choosing schools, which offer to accept and more!
With the in depth knowledge of why one student gets a callback and another does not, I'm pumped to pass this information on to young actors gearing up for undergrad and grad school auditions!
FAQ section coming soon for college hopefuls, but here's the answer to one of the most common questions:
When should I start prepping?
It can be really helpful to start lessons sooner rather than later. I recommend starting during your junior year. That way, we can start to instill good habits and work on elements of your work that with plenty of time to spare.
However, everyone's timeline and needs are vastly different; so if you come to me eight weeks before your auditions, we'll make it work! (but please give yourself more time than that, that's too stressful!!!)
Students have gained acceptance to BFA Acting programs at:
University of Southern California
Syracuse University
UCLA
Pace University - FTVC
Emerson College
Penn State University
Chapman University
Loyola Marymount University
Arizona State University
James Madison University
West Virginia University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
Florida State University
Muhlenberg College
Contact me to find out how I can help you feel confident, comfortable and kick ass in your college, MFA, Acting and Musical Theatre auditions!
In-Person & Zoom Rates:
$85/hr*
$300/pack of 4 ($75/hr)
*Sliding scale for
underserved communities.
No one should be prevented from pursuing their dreams because their family cannot
afford it. We will figure something out.

Classes
Scene Study & Technique for Teens
I am super excited to offer up a group acting class for high schoolers! Each student will work deeply on a minimum of two scenes from plays over the course of six weeks. Students may be given contemporary or classical material, depending on their interests and needs. Students will learn safe and sustainable acting techniques, build confidence and start to form a network with other young artists in the area. We'll close out the class by holding an Open Rehearsal for friends and family to watch their loved ones work. Let's play!
6 sessions
5/18, 5/25, 6/1, 6/8, 6/15, 6/22
Thursdays - 6pm-8pm
Location: The studio in Great Falls, VA
Space is limited to 10 students, ages 15-18
Cost: $300


Group Classes, Masterclasses & Workshops
Now offering a series of workshops and masterclasses for young actors and businesses. Covering everything from audition woes, monologue masterclasses, specific acting technique samplers, breath and awareness techniques and so much more.
Since Fall 2022, workshops have been held at Briar Woods High School and Heritage High School in Ashburn, VA, with more LCPS schools to come in the Spring!
Check out a sampling of workshops currently being offered below and reach out to book your school or business today!

Private Lessons
At the cornerstone of my philosophy is what I call "safe and sustainable acting". An artist can be mentally and physically healthy and still be incredibly effective. We need not torture ourselves for art!
In our private lessons, I aim to establish technique and process, build the actor's toolbox and harness a mindset of curiosity and empathy. Whether preparing for high school, undergrad or grad school auditions in the future, or learning how to dig into a script, I teach actors to embark on a journey of exploration and to take ownership of their art.
Lessons are highly personalized to the actor's needs based on the their goals and what I observe as we work together. There is no one size fits all training module, as we are all different people with different needs.
Contact me today to see if we're a good fit!
In-Person & Zoom Rates:
$85/hr*
$300/pack of 4 ($75/hr)
**Sliding scale for
underserved communities.
No one should be prevented from pursuing
their dreams because their family cannot
afford it. We will figure something out.
For example, current clients are working on:
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Learning various processes for how to approach a new text (monologues, scripts, audition sides)
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Understanding and personalizing Shakespeare monologues
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Line learning techniques
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Freeing the body from habitual movements
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Overall body and voice cohesion and breath coordination
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Pursuing an action and putting it on "the other"
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Warm-ups to cultivate a keen sense of awareness in the body
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Articulation and tongue placement
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IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) for accents and dialects
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Understanding style
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and SO MUCH more!
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At our first lesson, we'll have a little chat and then we'll play around with a bunch of different exercises as I get to know you and see how you work. This work we do is intended to be long-term. As impatient and results-oriented as we may be, learning happens slowly. You can't rush growth.
In-person lessons take place at my studio in Great Falls, VA and in NYC.

about me
My training spans from Columbia University (MFA Acting, 2022) and Pace University (BFA Acting, 2012), to The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ (Apprenticeship) and The Atlantic Acting School (Evening Conservatory). At these programs and at other private studios, I’ve worked hands on and in-depth with techniques that cultivate emotional, physical and vocal freedom. Techniques include Alexander Technique, Meisner, Stanislavski, Feldenkrais, Michael Chekhov, Viewpoints, Laban, Linklater, Fitzmaurice, Improv and more.
I’ve had the honor of studying with some of the most innovative and respected acting teachers of our time, including Ron Van Lieu, Scott Zigler, Peter Jay Fernandez, Sita Mani, James Calleri, Bruce Cromer, Ellen Lauren, just to name a few.
As an actor, I have worked at Shakespeare Theatre Company, Mosaic Theatre Company, Virginia Stage Company, Toms River Shakespeare Festival, The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ, Adirondack Shakespeare Company, Punchdrunk (creators of Sleep No More), and many others. On TV, you can catch me on Investigation Discovery’s A Crime To Remember and Nick Jr.’s Team UmiZoomi. Films include countless student and short films over the years in NYC. At Columbia, I’ve been a part of the new play development process for many full length and one act plays.
I offer Private Lessons for persons of any age and skill level who would like to learn technique, develop specifics of their physical instrument and how to think like an actor. Private Lessons are geared towards long term study and growth. They are also a great option for executives and folks who would like to cultivate a dynamic presence and improve public speaking.
I also offer Coaching Sessions and support throughout audition season for high school, undergrad and graduate school auditions.